A nurse is educating a client about the common risk factors for chronic renal failure. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the risk factors?

A. Incorrect. Hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, can cause muscle weakness and potentially cardiac arrhythmias, but it is not typically associated with difficulty concentrating or irritability.

B. Incorrect. Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion and headache, but it is not typically associated with muscle cramps.

C. Incorrect. Hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels, can cause muscle cramps and neurological symptoms, but it is not specifically associated with difficulty concentrating and irritability.

D. Correct. Hyperphosphatemia, or high phosphorus levels, is common in chronic renal failure due to impaired kidney function. Elevated phosphorus levels can lead to the binding of calcium, resulting in decreased ionized calcium in the blood. This can cause neuromuscular irritability, difficulty concentrating, and muscle cramps.

A. Incorrect. Being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can actually reduce the risk of chronic renal failure, as it helps to control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which are risk factors for kidney disease.

B. Incorrect. Having a family history of kidney disease can increase the risk of chronic renal failure, as genetics can play a role in the development of kidney problems.

C. Incorrect. Consuming a high-sodium diet can actually be harmful to the kidneys, as it can lead to hypertension and contribute to kidney damage.

D. Correct. Conditions such as hypertension and diabetes are well-established risk factors for chronic renal failure. These conditions can cause damage to the blood vessels and filtering units of the kidneys over time, leading to kidney dysfunction.